As always, the Church sees far—very far—and offers the most beautiful exhibition project I’ve seen in Venice so far. You step into the friars’ Mystical Garden, and it is truly mystical: first the medicinal herbs, the scent of helichrysum strongly lingers in the air. Then, today it wasn’t raining, so there were birds, sunshine, a light breeze. The art is really what surrounds you during the walk. The commissioned works perhaps only help you perceive what was already there. Every contribution was beautiful, more than contemporary—names like Brian Eno, Holly Herndon, Meredith Monk, FKA Twigs, Devonté Hynes – supported by really great headphones technology for once. And Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead, one of my all-time favorite bands—you will always be brilliant.
@holyseepavilion2026@hansulrichobrist@soundwalkcollective@dicasterycultureeducation
Words can’t describe the energy of this place. No one in sight, just birds chirping and water flowing. More than eighty magnificent trees: conifers from Mexico, Sichuan, Canada, and Afghanistan. Many are dedicated to people who are no longer here; after a while, I had to stop reading the dedications so I wouldn’t break down in tears: “To my beloved Liliana, your husband Gianni – Do not fear, my loved ones and lifelong friends are close to me. Without them I would be like a tree without roots.”
